Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Suhail Star's August 24 rise signals cooler UAE weather
There is a star in the sky called Suhail, which is also known as Canopus.
People in the UAE and other Arab countries have watched this star for hundreds of years.
When Suhail appears, it means the hottest part of summer is ending.
The weather does not cool down right away, but it starts to change slowly.
This year, the star should show up near dawn on August 24.
The special Suhail season lasts about 53 days.
To see it, you need to look at the sky before sunrise from a high place with very little light.
If you look at the south-eastern sky, you might spot it near the horizon.
When Suhail appears, nights get cooler, there is more fog in the morning, and strong winds start to blow.
That is why people get excited when this star comes back!
The Suhail star, also known as Canopus, is expected to rise on August 24 in the south-eastern part of the sky, according to Emirates Astronomy Society chairman Ibrahim Al Jarwan.
For centuries, its appearance has traditionally marked the retreat of extreme heat and the arrival of cooler nights in the Arabian Peninsula.
The traditional Suhail season will last around 53 days, with temperatures dropping slowly rather than immediately.
The best chance to see it is 30 to 50 minutes before sunrise near the horizon in the south-eastern sky, from a high place with minimal light pollution.
Its appearance is associated with increased humidity, cooler nights, early morning fog, strong south-easterly winds, and moderate inland temperatures.
The south-easterly winds typically move toward the Hajar Mountains in Oman and the east coast of the UAE.
- Who
- The UAE and other Arab nations, with guidance from Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society.
- What
- The Suhail star (Canopus) is expected to rise, marking the traditional end of extreme summer heat and the start of the 53-day Suhail season.
- When
- The star is expected to become visible on August 24 near dawn.
- Where
- In the south-eastern part of the sky, best viewed from high places with minimal light pollution in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula; its winds move toward the Hajar Mountains in Oman and the UAE's east coast.
- Why
- For centuries, the star's appearance has been associated with temperatures dropping slowly and the arrival of cooler, milder weather.
- Star
- Suhail (also known as Canopus)
- Expected rise date
- August 24, near dawn
- Location in sky
- South-eastern part, near the horizon
- Suhail season duration
- Around 53 days
- Best viewing time
- 30-50 minutes before sunrise
- Viewing conditions
- High altitude location with minimal light pollution
- Associated weather changes
- Increased humidity, cooler nights, early morning fog, strong south-easterly winds, moderate inland temperatures
- Source
- Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society